THE INFLUENCE OF SMARTPHONES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TWO (SS2) STUDENTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

TOPIC: THE INFLUENCE OF SMARTPHONES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TWO (SS2) STUDENTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Education
2-Mass Communication
3-Educational Psychology
4-Guidance and Counselling
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnare

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the influence of smartphones and social networking sites on the academic performance of Senior Secondary School Two students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State. The study was specifically carried out to determine the extent of smartphone usage among Senior Secondary School Two students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, assess the effect of smartphone usage on the academic performance of SS2 students in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, examine the influence of social networking site usage on the academic performance of SS2 students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, and assess the social networking activities that affect the academic performance of SS2 students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 1,248 SS2 students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State. A sample size of 303 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane formula, while 288 validated respondents were used for the study through multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, mean scores and standard deviation. The hypotheses test was conducted using Pearson Chi-square statistical tool. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that smartphone usage among SS2 students was high with mean scores ranging from 3.29 to 3.53. The study also showed that smartphone usage had a significant effect on academic performance at r = 0.671, t = 15.310, P = 0.021. Likewise, the study further revealed that social networking site usage had a significant influence on academic performance at r = 0.648, t = 14.392, P = 0.018. The study also revealed that social networking activities had a significant effect on academic performance at r = 0.692, t = 16.188, P = 0.014. The study therefore recommends that students should be guided on responsible smartphone usage, parents should monitor social networking activities, schools should organize digital awareness programmes, and teachers should encourage academic use of digital technologies.
Keywords: Smartphones, Social Networking Sites, Academic Performance, SS2 Students.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background to the Study
The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed the educational landscape across the world, making smartphones and social networking sites integral components of students’ daily lives. On a global scale, smartphones have become more than a means of communication and are now an integral part of a multi-purpose device that enables access to information, learning, collaboration and social interaction. Likewise, social networking sites have become popular digital spaces where students communicate, share knowledge and network for academic purposes. As these technologies become more and more involved in educational settings, there has been a growing interest from scholars in the impact of these technologies on students' learning outcomes. Amez and Baert (2020) explained that the use of smartphones in the learning process has become so integral that it affects the way learners access learning resources or perform learning activities. In line with this, Kolhar et al. (2021) noted that the use of social media in learning has dramatically changed the learning patterns and students' interactions in various learning contexts. Similarly, Astatke et al. (2021) assumed that social networking sites have become vital means for students to get information and engage in collaborative learning. These advancements reflect the increasing importance of digital technologies in the current educational landscape and the need to comprehend their impact on student achievement.
As a result of this global digital transformation, the correlation between the use of smartphones and student academic achievement has garnered growing attention. Smartphones enable learners to access education resources, online libraries, virtual classrooms and communication tools that facilitate engagement in learning. According to Mushtaq (2024), a Smartphone has been instrumental in making students learn outside the classroom and has increased the scope for independent learning. Similarly, Edeh et al. (2024) in a related study discovered that the use of Smartphone has a positive impact on students' learning because it helps them in conducting research and retrieval of information and enables them to take part in learning activities through collaborative learning. Moreover, Bello and Aliyu (2022) argue that the use of smart phones as a learning tool is very useful and can be beneficial in the process of learning when used appropriately. Abdulmalik and Anka (2025) also argue that the incorporation of Smartphones in learning has changed the traditional methods of learning and made digital learning more accessible. Thus, there is increasing interest in the use of smartphones by students, especially in relation to their academic performance.
Adoption of smartphones is closely tied to the ubiquity of social networking sites among students. For youth, social networking apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and X are a key medium for communication and information sharing. As per Tafesse (2022) social networking websites became interactive environment where students do social and educational activities. Likewise, Iqbal et al. (2021) claim the opportunities of academic social networking platforms to collaborate in learning, peer support, and knowledge sharing can help in educational development. Moreover, Tiongson (2024) elaborates that students are now using social networking sites to find educational content, engage in discussions, and share academic ideas. Similarly, the results by Nurudeen et al. (2022) indicate that the impact of social media goes beyond social interaction to learning related activities that influence students' learning experiences. Consequently, social networking sites are influencing students' social learning environment, where they gain access to them to a great extent, and should be considered a suitable area of study in academic discourse.
Given the increasing significance of social networking, recent research has examined how social media interaction is correlated to academic achievement. The results indicate that social media tools are used by students for a range of educational activities such as information sharing, discussing academic issues, collaborative assignments and accessing teaching and learning materials. According to Tahir et al. (2025), students' level of social media use is significantly correlated with their academic performance, signifying the integration of social media in educational experiences. In the same vein, Azarema et al. (2025) discovered the role of social media in shaping students' educational behaviors, such as through interactions and knowledge sharing. In another study, Mallo (2026) found that the level of social media usage students have is closely related to their education and learning behaviours. In alignment with these viewpoints, Rikichi (2025) and Mathias et al. (2025) both highlighted the significant role social media plays in influencing students' learning experiences in educational institutions. The observations show how social networking activities are becoming more important in the learning context of today.
In Nigeria, the use of smartphones and social networking websites among students has grown significantly with the improved internet penetration, accessibility of mobile technology and digital literacy programs. Today, Nigerian students use their smartphones to communicate, get information, learn online and engage social networks. Social media use now has become extensive among secondary school students as it is increasingly being used in educational settings (Asanga et al., 2023). Similarly, Atomatofa et al., (2024) noted that students often access social media for academic and non-academic activities and that this usage has an impact on students' learning. Ogundele et al. (2023) also revealed differences in the patterns of social media usage among the students in Nigeria, indicating that social media usage is an emerging feature in the lives of students. Moreover, Sabo and Audu (2025) argued that social media platforms have become a vital source of information, communication and engagement in learning activities by students. The aforementioned developments underscore the need for understanding the use of digital technologies in the Nigerian context of education.
In this national context, Lagos State is one of the most technologically advanced and educationally vibrant regions of Nigeria with high level of mobile phone ownership and internet connectivity among students. In Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, public secondary school students are increasingly encountering digital technologies which have the potential to influence their learning and social experiences. Chiedozie (2025) found in Lagos that social networking sites form a significant part of students' daily activities and learning process. Likewise, Omotoye and Ayanlade (2024) noted that the use of SNSs in students' academic space has an impact on the way students communicate and access information. With the overwhelming use of smartphone and social networking sites by school children at the senior secondary school Two (SS2), it is imperative to study this on the effect of the use of smartphones and social networking sites on the academic performance of students in senior secondary school Two (SS2) in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State. An investigation of this kind will add to the body of knowledge about digital technology use and academic achievement in today's secondary school.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
The increasing ownership and usage of smartphones among secondary school students have significantly transformed the way learning and social interaction occur in contemporary society. Smartphones and social networking sites are supposed to be educational devices which should increase students' access to information, support academic collaboration, help students' research skills and lead to improved learning outcomes. But the reality today is that much of the time that students spend with their smart phones and social networking is done outside of class, which has led to worries among teachers, parents and policymakers about how those activities impact their academic achievement. The findings of research on the correlation between the use of a smart phone, social media use, and student achievement have been mixed. For example, Amez and Baert (2020) noticed the educational and behavioural implications of smartphone usage for learners and Bello and Aliyu (2022) found a significant association between the usage of smartphones and students' academic achievement. In a similar vein, Tahir et al (2025) and Omotoye and Ayanlade (2024) identified that there are varying effects of social media engagement on students' academic experiences. Given this uncertainty, the role of smart phones and the activities of social networking in students' academic performance and its effect on that performance has thus become a research problem that needs further empirical investigation, especially in the secondary schools.
Existing studies have largely concentrated on undergraduate and tertiary institution students across different parts of Nigeria and beyond, including the works of Chiedozie (2025), Edeh et al. (2024), Njoku et al. (2026), and Owo (2025). The studies have made immense efforts to unveil the relationship between the use of digital technology and performance in learning but limited study has been paid to Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in public secondary schools particularly in Lagos Mainland Local Government of Lagos State. Moreover, most of the past research focused on social media use in general, and failed to measure the levels of smartphone use, the specific social media activities in which students are involved and how they affect academic achievement among secondary school students. Therefore, a comprehensive and contextual study is still needed to fill this knowledge gap. Thus, this study will be aimed at examining the level of usage of smartphone among the students of SS2, to ascertain the effect of the use of smartphone on the academic performance of the students, to investigate the influence of the use of social networking sites on the academic performance of students and to ascertain the specific activities on the social networking sites that affect academic performances of the students of SS2 in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the influence of smartphones and social networking sites on the academic performance of Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The specific objectives are to:
1.Determine the extent of smartphone usage among Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State.
2.Assess the effect of smartphone usage on the academic performance of SS2 students in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
3.Examine the influence of social networking site usage on the academic performance of SS2 students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
4.Assess the social networking activities that affect the academic performance of SS2 students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE  REVIEW  (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of smartphones, the concept of social networking sites, types and uses of social networking sites, students' use of smartphones and social networking sites, and academic performance among senior secondary school students etc.The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 303 participants.

Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique incorporating stratified and convenience sampling techniques to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Influence of Smartphones and Social Networking Sites on the Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Two Students in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State” as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Pearson Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses.
Full outline for chapter three;
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size
3.4 Sampling Technique
3.5  Instrument for Data Collection
3.6 Validity of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method Of Data Collection 
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
3.10 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following major findings were made:

i. The study found that the extent of smartphone usage among Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State, is high, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.43, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00.

ii. The study found that smartphone usage has a significant effect on the academic performance of Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.47, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.671, t-value of 15.310, and p-value of 0.021 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iii. The study found that social networking site usage has a significant influence on the academic performance of Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.46, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.648, t-value of 14.392, and p-value of 0.018 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iv. The study found that social networking activities significantly affect the academic performance of Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in selected public secondary schools in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.49, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.692, t-value of 16.188, and p-value of 0.014 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE:SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary 
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Limitations of the Study
5.5 Recommendations
5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

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